Diving with Turtles in the Gili Islands

An Underwater Experience You Will Never Forget

Few underwater encounters stay with divers as vividly as meeting a sea turtle in its natural habitat. The slow, graceful movements, the calm curiosity in their eyes, and the ancient presence they carry make every turtle encounter feel special. Around the world, divers travel thousands of kilometers for the chance to see these animals—but on the Gili Islands, turtle encounters are not rare moments. They are part of everyday diving.

The Gili Islands, located off the northwest coast of Lombok, are famous for many things: crystal-clear water, colorful reefs, relaxed island life, and excellent dive training. But ask any diver what stands out the most, and one answer appears again and again: the turtles.

The Gili Islands – A Turtle Paradise

Did you know that the Gili Islands are among the most reliable places in Indonesia to dive with sea turtles? On many dives, spotting at least one turtle is almost guaranteed. On some days, divers see multiple individuals during a single dive—gliding over the reef, resting on coral formations, or slowly swimming alongside divers.

The reefs around Gili Air, Gili Meno, and Gili Trawangan provide the perfect habitat. Healthy coral structures, sandy patches, and seagrass areas offer both feeding and resting opportunities. Combined with relatively calm conditions and responsible diving practices, the area has become a safe haven for turtles.

For beginner divers, this means a high chance of seeing turtles during their very first underwater experiences. For experienced divers and underwater photographers, it means endless opportunities to observe behavior, capture stunning images, and simply enjoy being in the presence of these incredible animals.

Two Species You Can Easily Spot

Another fascinating fact: around the Gili Islands, you can regularly encounter two different species of sea turtles.

Green Sea Turtles are the most common. Recognizable by their smooth shells and gentle expressions, they are often seen resting on coral heads or feeding on seagrass. Their calm nature makes them approachable—sometimes they appear almost uninterested in divers, continuing their activities while people watch from a respectful distance.

Hawksbill Turtles are also present. Slightly smaller and with a distinctive pointed beak and patterned shell, they are usually found near reef structures, where they feed on sponges. Their movements are often more agile, and they are frequently seen weaving between coral formations.

Seeing both species during dives around the Gili Islands is not unusual. For many divers, this variety makes each dive unique—no encounter is ever the same.

The “Instagram Influencers” of the Ocean

One thing that surprises many first-time visitors is how relaxed the turtles are around divers. Unlike in many parts of the world, where turtles quickly swim away, the turtles of the Gili Islands often remain calm and continue their routines.

It sometimes feels as if they are posing for photos—gliding slowly, turning toward the camera, or resting peacefully while divers observe. That’s why many divers jokingly call them the “Instagram influencers of the underwater world.”

But this behavior doesn’t mean the turtles are tame or domesticated. They are still wild animals. Their calm nature is the result of years of respectful interaction and responsible diving practices in the area. Because divers have learned to observe without chasing, touching, or stressing them, turtles feel safe continuing their natural activities.

And this is exactly why protecting them is so important.

Why Diving with Turtles Feels So Special

Encountering a turtle underwater is different from spotting a fish or even a shark. Turtles move slowly, deliberately, and gracefully. Their presence brings a sense of calm.

Many divers describe the moment as almost spiritual. Time seems to slow down. You become aware of your breathing, your buoyancy, and your surroundings. For a few minutes, you are simply sharing space with a creature that has been swimming in our oceans for millions of years.

For beginner divers, it often becomes the moment that changes everything. A first turtle encounter can spark a lifelong passion for diving and marine conservation. For experienced divers, it’s a reminder of why they started diving in the first place.

How Should You Behave Around a Turtle?

Seeing a turtle is exciting, but it also comes with responsibility. Every diver plays a role in protecting these animals and ensuring that future generations can experience the same magic.

Here are the most important guidelines:

1. Keep a respectful distance
Always stay at least one to two meters away. This prevents stress and allows the turtle to behave naturally.

2. Never chase a turtle
If a turtle swims away, let it go. Chasing causes stress and can disrupt feeding and resting behavior.

3. Control your buoyancy
Good buoyancy ensures you don’t accidentally touch the turtle, the reef, or surrounding marine life.

4. Avoid blocking their path
Turtles need to surface for air. Never position yourself above them or between them and the surface.

5. Observe quietly
Slow movements and calm behavior create the best encounters. The quieter you are, the longer turtles will stay nearby.

6. No flash photography close to their face
While photography is allowed, bright flashes at very close distance can disturb them.

The Most Important Rule: Never Touch a Turtle

This is where Oceans 5 Gili Air takes a very clear and firm position.

Turtles must never be touched. Not for a photo, not for curiosity, not for any reason.

Touching a turtle removes its protective slime coating, increases the risk of infection, and causes stress. Even a gentle touch can have consequences.

At Oceans 5 Gili Air, marine protection is not just a slogan—it is part of daily operations and teaching philosophy. Every diver receives a briefing about proper behavior around marine life before entering the water.

And there is one rule that is strictly enforced:

If you touch a turtle, the dive ends.
You will be brought back on the boat and you will not continue diving with the dive center.

This may sound strict, but it is necessary. The turtles around the Gili Islands are calm and trusting because they have been treated respectfully for years. Protecting that trust is essential.

The goal is not punishment—it is education and protection. By enforcing this rule, Oceans 5 ensures that the underwater environment remains safe for wildlife and enjoyable for responsible divers.

Why Protection Matters

The turtles of the Gili Islands are part of a fragile ecosystem. Coral reefs, seagrass beds, and marine biodiversity are all interconnected. When turtles are stressed or harmed, it affects the entire environment.

Tourism plays a major role here. Divers and snorkelers bring attention, awareness, and support for conservation—but only if activities are conducted responsibly.

Dive centers like Oceans 5 integrate environmental awareness into every course, from beginner programs to professional training. Divers learn not just how to dive, but how to interact with the ocean responsibly.

This philosophy helps ensure that turtle populations remain healthy and that encounters remain natural.

A Memory That Stays Forever

Ask divers about their most unforgettable moments underwater, and many will mention turtles.

A green turtle resting on coral while watching you quietly.
A hawksbill gliding past in the blue.
A curious turtle swimming alongside during a safety stop.

These moments stay with you long after the dive ends.

For some, it inspires a deeper connection with the ocean. For others, it sparks interest in marine conservation. And for many, it becomes the moment they realize how important it is to protect the underwater world.

Why the Gili Islands Are So Unique

There are many places in the world where turtles can be seen, but the Gili Islands stand out for several reasons:

• High chance of encounters on almost every dive
• Two species present in the same area
• Calm, shallow dive sites perfect for beginners
• Healthy reef environments
• Responsible diving culture built over years

This combination makes the islands one of the best destinations in Southeast Asia for diving with turtles.

The Role of Divers

Every diver becomes an ambassador for the ocean.

By following guidelines, maintaining buoyancy, and respecting marine life, divers help protect the environment. Each positive interaction reinforces the turtles’ calm behavior. Each responsible dive supports conservation efforts.

The future of diving depends on this balance between exploration and protection.

Final Thoughts

Diving with turtles is more than just a highlight of a dive trip—it is an experience that connects people with the ocean in a meaningful way.

The Gili Islands offer one of the best places in the world to witness these animals up close. Seeing both green turtles and hawksbill turtles in their natural habitat, behaving calmly and confidently around divers, is something truly special.

But with this privilege comes responsibility.

Respect the turtles.
Keep your distance.
Never touch them.

Because the reason these animals feel comfortable around divers today is because generations of divers have treated them with care.

At Oceans 5 Gili Air, this respect is at the core of everything. The strict rule against touching turtles protects not just the animals, but the entire diving experience.

And when you float quietly underwater, watching a turtle glide past as if you were not even there, you understand why.

Some moments cannot be staged.
Some encounters cannot be forced.

They happen when nature trusts you enough to let you be part of its world—even if only for a few minutes.